JP4716637B2 - System and method for automating management of computer services and programmable devices - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cross-reference of related patent applications
This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 60 / 314,785, filed Aug. 24, 2001.
[0002]
The present invention relates generally to management of programmable devices and computer services, and more particularly to a method and system for dynamically managing programmable devices or computer services for the life cycle of the programmable devices or computer services.
[0003]
[Prior art]
A programmable device, such as a computing device and “smart” equipment, is typically a programmable device or one or more defined by an operating system used by one or more application programs installed on the programmable device. Can meet the purpose.
[0004]
In order to deploy and supply programmable devices, a user typically manually installs an operating system sequentially, installs one or more application programs, and the operating system and application programs work together. Must be configured.
[0005]
This process can be very time consuming, depending on the complexity of the operating system and application programs, and more typically requires complex scripts and specialized development. In an enterprise or commercial environment, it is not uncommon for this process to be repeated for hundreds or thousands of programmable devices.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The nature of requiring time to deliver a programmable device can be cumbersome if a particular device fails or is in error. For example, if a programmable device needs to be replaced, the service provider needs to manually install an operating system, application program, and configure a new programmable device to replace the failed programmable device. This process can take several hours to complete, during which time the customer can suffer problems such as losing sales.
[0007]
The industry is already aware of the above problems and is developing very different technologies to bring programmable devices online. For example, techniques for automating the supply of programmable devices have been developed. Technologies for automating part of the placement of programmable devices have also been developed. These manufacturer-specific technologies have provided the high level of expertise required in the field to place and supply programmable devices, but this expertise requires experienced and scarce and expensive personnel. It is what.
[0008]
In addition, computer services that handle specific tasks have been formed to assist consumers. For example, a service for supplying programmable devices is provided. These computer services make it easier for the end consumer than before. However, this service does not reduce the effort required to deploy and supply a large number of programmable devices. Some services increase the effort required to deploy, supply and maintain large numbers of programmable devices. Furthermore, these services do not provide any mechanism for third parties to add value-added tools to the deployment and delivery process.
[0009]
A related problem is that once a programmable device is deployed and supplied, it is less likely that the user / owner will supply the programmable device again due to the high cost. In addition, many of the technologies are closely tied to the underlying hardware. With the development of hardware, original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") supply utilities to configure their hardware. These utilities are often incompatible with the manufacturer's proprietary technology, which increases the effort to manage the hardware. Therefore, these manufacturer-specific technologies often increase the amount of work required to support programmable devices and the underlying hardware, leading to higher technical levels.
[0010]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to arrange and supply functions for the life cycle of a programmable device, thereby reducing the workload and technical level required to support the functions, and managing them at low cost. It is to provide a method and apparatus.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
As used herein, the term function means a computer service, a programmable device, or a combination of a computer service and a programmable device.
[0012]
More specifically, according to the present invention, several states are defined for the life cycle of a function, and a transition that moves a function from one state to another begins in response to a trigger event. Is done. The states defined for the programmable device portion of the function are: untested state, tested state, undeployed state, deployed state, prepared state, provisioned state, in-service state, Including trouble state and retired state.
[0013]
States defined for the computer service portion of the lifecycle include untested, tested, planned, provisioned, online, troubled, and retired. Each function is in a process that is in any one of these states or transitioning from one state to another.
[0014]
Subsequent sets of procedures are defined for function transitions between defined states. In one embodiment, the set of procedures includes testing / development procedures, planning procedures, deployment procedures, preparation procedures, and maintenance procedures.
[0015]
More specifically, in the testing / development procedure, performance and reliability tests are performed on the planned installation to create an image of the system. An image repository is used to store images.
[0016]
In the planning procedure, needs are anticipated and quantified to add additional capacity, and resource planning is performed to meet those needs. In the placing procedure, the components of the function to be installed at a certain installation location are received and installed at that installation location. Once installed, the preparing and supplying procedures are executed when the function is configured and supplied. Storage and network resources are also supplied as needed.
[0017]
The present invention is flexible and provides software developers and end users with the ability to develop products that can be plugged into the infrastructure that drives automation or plug into specific types of functional modules. Enable an extensible infrastructure.
[0018]
In one embodiment, this is accomplished by providing a single upper layer interface and lower layer portions of multiple interfaces. Upper layer interfaces provide developers and end users with one way to create solutions that use or drive the lifecycle across one set of applications or scripts (ie products) that plug into the infrastructure. A lower layer interface includes specific hardware (eg, web equipment, network attached storage (“NAS”) equipment, etc.) and / or software deploying providers, load balancers and other hardware and software networking providers, and storage Several types of providers are supported, including area network device providers.
[0019]
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.
[0020]
While the appended claims describe the function of the present invention together with its features, the present invention, together with its objects and advantages, is best understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. I can do it.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to the drawings, like elements are indicated with the same reference numerals and the invention is practiced in a suitable environment. Although not required, the invention will be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions being executed by programmable devices, such as program modules.
[0022]
Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is a microprocessor-based home appliance or programmable home appliance including handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, web-based equipment. It will be appreciated that it can be implemented by many types of programmable devices, including products and the like.
[0023]
The invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can be located in local and remote memory storage devices.
[0024]
FIG. 1 shows an example of the overall architecture in which the present invention operates.
[0025]
The life cycle management system 20 automates the arrangement, supply, and operation management of the functions 22. As pointed out above, this function may be a computer service, a programmable device, or a combination of a computer service and a programmable device. By way of example, but not limitation, this functionality may be a web service, print service, one or more servers, one or more storage devices, one or more routers, a data center, and the like.
[0026]
In the following description, the function 22 is referred to as a programmable device 22 when the procedure is being performed on the programmable device portion of the function. For example, if the function is a web service, content and applications are added to a programmable device (eg, a server) used to implement the web service. The controller 24 has a software engine that moves the function 22 from one life cycle state to another. The life cycle management system 20 is a module used to trigger the controller 24 to transition functions 22 from one life cycle state to another life cycle state for OEMs, service suppliers, and other developers. It has an automation interface 26 that enables development of
[0027]
This module may include, for example, a policy / management application 28, a controller script 30, and a web / wireless user interface 32. The policy / management application 28 adds policy rules and templates that address customer issues or challenges. The controller script 30 is used to allow the client to move the programmable device 22 from one life cycle state to another. The web / wireless interface 32 performs functions for various personnel. For example, there may be multiple interfaces for various personnel classes, each interface providing only the desired functionality for a particular personnel class.
[0028]
The set of interfaces provides OEMs, service providers, and other developers the ability to plug in modules that are specific to a particular type of programmable device, or hardware that supports that functionality. The set of interfaces includes a deployment interface 34, an imaging interface 36, a web device interface 38, and a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device interface 40. Although not shown, it will be appreciated that many other types of interfaces can be used. The deployment interface 34 deploys specific hardware and BIOS types (eg, BIOS configuration on unformatted programmable devices, and installation of network operating systems) to OEMs, service providers, and other developers. Provide the ability to The imaging interface 36 is used to communicate with an imaging manager (not shown) to add to the image repository 52 or to change images in the image repository 52. Web device interface 38 and NAS device interface 40 are used to communicate with web devices and NAS devices.
[0029]
A series of suppliers and / or abstractions provide the system 20 with the ability to communicate with the hardware needed to deploy the function 22. Abstractions include network abstractions 42, storage abstractions 44, and other abstractions 46. The network abstraction 42 provides abstractions such as hardware load balancers, routers, and firewalls. Storage abstractions 44 include hardware abstractions used in storage area networks, such as switches and other routing devices, host bust adapter abstractions, and device enclosures such as storage enclosures and tape libraries connected to the storage area network. provide.
[0030]
The controller 24 uses a command script module 50 and other program modules for transitioning functions 22 between lifecycle states. Images used to install the operating system and / or programs on the programmable device are stored in the image repository 52. Store 54 stores identification and location information regarding function 22.
[0031]
FIG. 2 shows an example of a suitable programmable device 100 in which the present invention can be implemented.
[0032]
Programmable device 100 is only one example of a suitable computing environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the invention.
[0033]
The invention is operable with numerous other general purpose or special purpose programmable devices. Examples of possible known programmable devices adapted for use with the present invention include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, handheld devices or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set-top boxes, Programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments including any of the above systems or devices, and the like.
[0034]
The invention can be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a processor. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can be located in local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices.
[0035]
With reference to FIG. 2, exemplary programmable devices include general purpose computing devices in the form of a computer 110. The components of the computer 110 can include, but are not limited to, a processing unit 120, a system memory 130, and a system bus 121 that couples various system components including the system memory to the processing unit 120. The system bus 121 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus structures. By way of example, but not limitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Extended ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards (Video Electronics Standards). Associate (VESA) local bus, and peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus, also known as the Mezzanine bus.
[0036]
Computer 110 typically includes a variety of computer readable media. Computer readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by computer 110 and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media may include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media is both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented by any method or technique for storing information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data including. Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD), or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk Storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired information and that is accessible by computer 110 is included.
[0037]
Communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modified data signal format such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term “modified data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information into a signal format. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Any combination of the above should be included within the scope of computer-readable media.
[0038]
The system memory 130 includes computer storage media in the form of volatile and / or nonvolatile memory such as read only memory (ROM) 131 and random access memory (RAM) 132. A basic input / output system 133 (BIOS) that includes basic routines useful for transferring information between elements within the computer 110, such as during startup, is typically stored in the ROM 131. RAM 132 typically includes data and / or program modules that are quickly accessible by processing unit 120 and / or that are currently being manipulated. By way of example and not limitation, FIG. 2 shows an operating system 134, application programs 135, other program modules 136, and program data 137.
[0039]
The computer 110 may also include other removable / non-removable, volatile / nonvolatile computer storage media. By way of example only, FIG. 2 illustrates a hard disk drive 141 that reads and writes to non-removable non-volatile magnetic media, a magnetic disk drive 151 that reads and writes to removable non-volatile magnetic disk 152, and a CD ROM or An optical disk drive 155 for reading from and writing to a removable non-volatile optical disk 156, such as another optical medium, is shown. Other removable / non-removable volatile / nonvolatile computer storage media that can be used in the exemplary operating environment include, but are not limited to, magnetic tape cassettes, flash memory cards, digital versatile discs, digital video Includes tape, solid state RAM, solid state ROM, etc. The hard disk drive 141 is normally connected to the system bus 121 via a non-removable memory interface such as the interface 140, and the magnetic disk drive 151 and the optical disk drive 155 are usually connected to the system by a removable memory interface such as the interface 150. It is connected to the bus 121.
[0040]
The drive and associated computer storage media discussed above and shown in FIG. 2 provide computer 110 with storage for computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data.
[0041]
In FIG. 2, for example, the hard disk drive 141 is shown as storing an operating system 144, application programs 145, other program modules 146, and program data 147. Note that these components can either be the same as or different from operating system 134, application programs 135, other program modules 136, and program data 137. Operating system 144, application programs 145, other program modules 146, and program data 147 have been given different reference numbers herein to indicate that they are at least different. A user may enter commands and information into the computer 110 through input devices such as a keyboard 162 and pointing device 161, commonly referred to as a mouse, trackball or touch pad.
[0042]
Other input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, and the like. These or other input devices are often connected to the processing unit 120 via a user input interface 160 coupled to the system bus, such as a parallel port, game port or universal serial bus (USB). It can also be connected by other interfaces and bus structures. A monitor 191 or other type of display device is also connected to the system bus 121 via an interface, such as a video interface 190. In addition to the monitor, the computer can also include other peripheral output devices that can be connected via an output peripheral interface 195, such as loudspeakers 197, printers 196, and the like.
[0043]
Computer 110 may operate in a network connection environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as remote computer 180. The remote computer 180 may be another personal computer, server, router, network PC, peer device, or other common network node, typically many or all of the elements described above with respect to the personal computer 110. However, only the memory storage device 181 is shown in FIG. The logical connections shown in FIG. 2 include a local area network (LAN) 171 and a wide area network (WAN) 173, but can also include other networks. Such networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, and the Internet.
[0044]
When used in a LAN networking environment, the personal computer 110 is connected to the LAN 171 through a network interface or adapter 170. When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 110 typically includes a modem 172 or other means for establishing communications such as the Internet via the WAN 173. A modem 172, which may be internal or external, may be connected to the system bus 121 via a user input interface 160 or other suitable mechanism. In a network connection environment, the program modules described above in connection with the personal computer 110, or portions thereof, can be stored in a remote memory device. By way of example and not limitation, FIG. 2 shows remote application program 185 as resident in memory device 181. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers may be used.
[0045]
In the description that follows, the invention will be described with reference to acts and symbolic representations of operations that are performed by one or more computers, unless indicated otherwise.
[0046]
Accordingly, such actions and operations that may be referred to as being performed by a computer include the manipulation of electronic signals representing structured forms of data by a computer processing unit. This operation changes the data or keeps the data in a location in the computer's memory system, which may or may not reconfigure the computer's operation in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. Change it. The data structure in which data is maintained is a physical location in memory that has specific characteristics defined by the format of the data.
[0047]
However, although the present invention is described in the above context, it is not intended to be limiting, as one skilled in the art will appreciate that the various actions and operations described below can also be implemented in hardware. Absent. The life cycle of a server or server device in a data center is used to describe the present invention. The present invention provides a server or server device as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention can plan, deploy, supply and manage many other types of programmable devices throughout their life cycle. It is not intended to be limited to.
[0048]
Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, exemplary life cycle 200 conditions are illustrated for one embodiment.
[0049]
FIG. 3 shows a state relating to a programmable device, and FIG. 4 shows a state relating to a computer service relating to the embodiment. One skilled in the art will appreciate that there can be any number of functional lifecycle states.
[0050]
Typical states of the programmable device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 are untested state 202, tested state 204, undeployed state 206, deployed state 208, prepared state 210, and delivered state. 212, in-service state 214, trouble state 216, and retired state 218.
[0051]
The exemplary states of the computer service shown in FIG. 4 are untested state 202, tested state 204, planned state 250, provisioned state 212, online state 214, trouble state 216, and retirement. It is the state 218 of. Online status is the same as in service.
[0052]
In the following description, transitions and triggering events for the programmable device portion of the function will be described, and references to the computer service portion of the function will be discussed for cases where the states are the same or similar. States, trigger events, and service transitions different from programmable devices are discussed separately.
[0053]
The controller 24 initiates a transition to transition the function 22 from one state to another in response to receiving the trigger event. The trigger event can be received by the controller 24 in various ways. For example, trigger events can be output from Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) or Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) management applications, system events, operational logic that responds to multiple inputs, various inputs, and predetermined policies The user can manually enter a policy code or the like that responds to the implementation of the above, or can be automated. Controller 24 uses a set of procedures for transitioning function 22 from one state to another. Each transition between states has its own set of automated procedures.
[0054]
Referring now to FIGS. 5-9, there is shown a set of trigger events and procedures for transitioning a function 22 from one life cycle state to another life cycle state. The trigger event for transitioning from the untested state 202 to the tested state 204 occurs when a new function 22 is developed and tested.
[0055]
Referring to FIG. 5, the initial steps performed in the test / development procedure 220 used to transition functions to the tested state determine the tasks to be performed during the transition (step 300).
[0056]
In the case of a function having a computer service, the tasks to be performed include building any programmable device needed to perform the service and performing a test of the programmable device. For functions with programmable devices, the tasks performed include upgrading the image, creating a new image, and testing the upgraded or new image. As used herein, an image is a copy, copy, or representation of a program, operating system, data, or a combination of a program, operating system, and data.
[0057]
If a new image is created (step 302), if there are operating systems and applications, they are installed on the reference system (step 304). The reference system is a programmable device of the same type as the programmable device 22. The installed system is tested on the reference system (step 306) and a determination is made whether the system is functioning correctly (step 308).
[0058]
If the system is not functioning correctly, adjustments are made until the system functions correctly (step 310). If the system is functioning correctly, it is system imaged using tools well known in the art and the image is transferred to the image repository 52 (step 312). The image is then copied from the image repository 52 to the test system (step 314) to verify that the images in the image repository 52 are functioning correctly in terms of compatibility, reliability, performance, etc. Tested (step 316).
[0059]
Once the image is verified, a tag is created in the image repository 52 to indicate that the image can be considered eligible and placed on the programmable device 22. Otherwise, the store 54 is updated to indicate that the image is considered eligible.
[0060]
If the existing image is upgraded (step 318), the existing image is copied from the image repository 52 and installed in the reference system (step 320). Updates (eg, service packs and other fixes) are applied to existing images, and the updated images are copied back to the image repository 52 (step 322). The upgraded image is copied from the image repository 52 to the test system (step 326) and tested (step 328).
[0061]
When a new or upgraded image is tested to verify operation, the new or upgraded image is installed on the programmable device 22. If there are multiple programmable devices (eg, a server in the data center), the new or upgraded image is copied on the selected programmable device or on all programmable devices. Otherwise, a command script is used to update the programmable device by scripting the change and executing the change directly on the programmable device. When the above set of procedures 220 is complete, the transition between the untested state and the tested state is complete and the function 22 enters the tested state 204.
[0062]
A trigger event to transition from the tested state 204 to the undeployed state 206 occurs when a need is anticipated to add additional capacity within the programmable device or to add additional programmable devices to the function. (For example, a data center).
[0063]
Referring now to FIG. 6, a demand plan and resource plan are executed in the planning procedure 222 after the controller 24 initiates a transition (step 400).
[0064]
Quantify and plan needs based on customer demand (eg, capacity expansion for new and existing customers), machine replacement (eg, failure, retirement), maintenance of extra capacity, and forecasted demand plans Demand planning is executed for this purpose. When the demand plan is complete, a resource plan is executed to determine whether the plan meets the needs planned by the demand plan. Resource planning includes planned physical resources (eg, data centers, racks, slots, etc.), planned computer resources, planned networking and storage resources (eg, routers, switches, storage devices, etc.), and environmental plans (eg, power and Cooling requirements, space requirements, etc.).
[0065]
From the demand and resource plan, pre-identification (step 402) and pre-positioning (step 404) are performed. Pre-identification identifies the requested item. For example, a programmable device, a machine name, etc. are identified. Pre-positioning identifies locations, slots, network settings, etc. for programmable devices. When the above set of procedures 222 is complete, the transition between the tested state 204 and the undeployed state 206 is complete and the function 22 enters the undeployed state 206. If planning is not required (eg, the image on the programmable device 22 has been upgraded), the programmable device 22 transitions directly to the undeployed state 206.
[0066]
When the programmable device 22 is ready for placement, the controller 24 initiates a transition to the placed state 208.
[0067]
Referring now to FIG. 7, the first step of the placing procedure 224 will receive the programmable device 22 at the installation site (step 500). The installation location of the programmable device 22 is determined, and the programmable device 22 is installed (step 502). Once the programmable device 22 is installed at a physical location, the operator can control via the control script 30 or web / wireless interface 32 to use the command script module 50 to transition the programmable device 22 to the deployed state. Controller 24 is called. Alternatively, the policy or management application 28 automatically calls the controller 24 to use the command script module 50 for transitioning the programmable device 22 to the deployed state.
[0068]
The controller 24 detects whether an operating system is installed on the programmable device 22 (step 504). If an operating system is installed, the controller 24 uses the command script module 50 to add any OEM or customer-specific service pack and configures or reconfigures the BIOS as needed (step 506). .
[0069]
If the programmable device 22 can boot PxE (Portable Executable Environment) (step 508), the programmable device to a particular image to be loaded (ie, to an image of the operating system to be used) PxE is used to direct 22 and the image is loaded into the programmable device 22 (step 510).
[0070]
The command script module 50 installs the initial boot image, adds any OEM or customer specific service packs as needed, and configures or reconfigures the BIOS (step 512). If the programmable device 22 is unable to boot PxE, the unique image to be loaded is manually installed on the programmable device 22 (step 514).
[0071]
The command script module 50 then installs the initial boot image, adds any OEM or customer specific service packs as needed, and configures or reconfigures the BIOS (step 516). The initial boot image is an initial operating environment that includes an agent that enables the controller 24 to detect and communicate with the programmable device 22. A name and other identifiers are assigned to the programmable device 22. For example, an IP address is assigned to the programmable device 22 via an automatic system such as DHCP or an additional command script module 50, and the programmable device 22 is assigned to a group or the like. When the above set of procedures 224 is complete, the transition is complete and the programmable device 22 enters the deployed state 204.
[0072]
Once the programmable device 22 is deployed, the controller 24 can initiate a transition to the prepared state 210. This transition can occur immediately following the transition to deployed state 208 or subsequent time.
[0073]
Next, referring to FIG. 8, a trigger event for transitioning to the prepared state 210 occurs when a “work queue entry” is created and a task is defined. The controller 24 checks whether a “work queue entry” is created to verify whether the store 52 has been updated (step 600), and whether the task for the programmable device 22 is defined by an operator or policy. Determination is made (step 602).
[0074]
If no task is defined or no entry has been created, the state of the programmable device 22 returns to the deployed state 208 again. If a task is defined and an entry has been created, the task image associated with the task is copied from the image repository 50 to the programmable device 22 (step 604). The programmable device is supplied to an operable point. At this point, the verified image has already been installed on the programmable device 22 and the programmable device 22 enters a ready state.
[0075]
When the programmable device 22 is prepared, the controller 24 initiates a transition to the supplied state 210 when the role of the programmable device is determined. As used herein, roles are determined when a programmable device job is fully defined, including predefined tasks and fully defined supply settings.
[0076]
Next, referring to FIG. 9, if a role is defined, a programmable device 22 is provided. Supply procedures 228 include identification supply (step 610), storage supply (step 612), service supply (step 614), network supply (step 616) and additional supply (step 618).
[0077]
In the identification supply, the command script 50 changes the communication address (eg, IP address) and the machine name of the programmable device to those assigned by the owner / customer. The command script 50 can also change other identifiers that identify the programmable device. The communication address, machine name, and other identifiers are stored in the store 52. Further, if the programmable device 22 is placed in a group or domain, the command script 50 changes the group or domain to that assigned by the customer.
[0078]
In the storage supply, the command script 50 maps an arbitrary local storage drive on the programmable device 22 and copies data from the network drive to the local storage drive. If the programmable device 22 is installed in a storage area network (SAN), the command script 50 uses the storage abstraction 44 to place the programmable device 22 in the SAN so that data can be received. If the programmable device 22 is a NAS device, the command script 50 is used to confirm that the programmable device 22 has the permissions required to share the location where all the data related to the site is stored Is done.
[0079]
In the service supply, the controller 24 is configured by adding a communication configuration and installing the device on the programmable device 22. A user's security permission (eg, local administrator, power user, etc.) is added to the programmable device 22.
[0080]
When the programmable device 22 is installed on the network, the controller 24 communicates with the network switch in the network supply and assigns the programmable device 22 to a specific LAN. The command script 50 drive changes to the network load balancing infrastructure so that the programmable device 22 and other devices are load balanced.
[0081]
Additional supplies are added to the programmable device 22 as needed. Additional supplies can include installing additional applications, adding users, and the like.
[0082]
When the supply is complete, function 22 enters a supplied state 212. The command script 50 is executed to bring the programmable device 22 online. Upon entering the in service state 214, the controller 24 performs task monitoring, management and maintenance. Task monitoring includes tracking software licenses to confirm that the programmable device 22 is compliant and monitoring service level conditions to check if the service level conditions are met. included. If the service level condition is not met, the controller 24 determines what action needs to be taken to restore the service.
[0083]
The controller 24 can provide several levels of management including billing and issuing for power management and accounting reporting. If the programmable device 22 is installed in a rack along with other programmable devices, this rack is considered a single entity and power management is performed. New hardware designs often exceed power and cooling loads. For example, in a typical data center configured five years ago, a server's 42 unit rack (ie, programmable device) has a maximum power consumption of about 5,000 watts. A 42-unit rack full of current servers can easily exceed 10,000 watts. The current solution to this is to not completely fill the rack with servers so that the rated power is not exceeded.
[0084]
According to the present invention, a rack of servers can be completely filled and managed within a single power and cooling envelope. Each programmable device 22 can optimally manage power based on the imposed load so that a 42 unit rack does not exceed a predetermined rating (eg, 5,000 watts). It is unlikely that all servers in a rack will have to run at full power in any given time. Therefore, this type of power load balancing is considered to have little or no effect on individual servers. Thus, these servers can only operate with sufficient power given to their load, and in most cases the average statistic will keep the load below the rated maximum (5000 watts in this example) It will be.
[0085]
The controller 24 may also use a command script 50 that implements an algorithm that evens the customer into pain during a “power down” or power alert to reduce the power envelope of each rack in the server. Alternatively, an algorithm can be used that provides more power to customers who are paying a premium. Also, when individual devices at midnight are not in use, they can transition to a low power state.
[0086]
The controller 24 also automates planned maintenance during service. Tasks performed during planned maintenance include hotfix applications, security patches, operating system and application upgrades, hardware upgrades, feature backup and recovery, customer migration, security management and audits, and self-service delivery (Ie, application installation and configuration).
[0087]
While in the in service state 214, the controller 24 transitions the function to a trouble state 216 if an unexpected disruption occurs in the service provided by the function. This destruction includes slow response times due to viruses, hardware or software (eg, bottlenecks) and severe or intermittent failures due to hardware or software. In trouble state 216, controller 24 determines the cause of the unexpected failure, attempts to eliminate the cause, and brings function 22 back online. When function 22 comes back online, it enters service state 214 again.
[0088]
While in the in service state 214, the controller can be instructed to relocate or resupply function 22. If the controller 24 is instructed to relocate or resupply the function, the function 22 is moved offline and moved to the delivered state 212. When the function 22 is to be relocated, a trigger event for transitioning from the supplied state 212 to the undeployed state 206 occurs. Relocation occurs when the physical ownership of the function 22 changes or when the position of the programmable device 22 changes.
[0089]
Referring now to FIG. 10, if relocation occurs (step 700), the process 230 initiated by the controller 24 deletes all software installed on the programmable device 22 other than the initial boot image ( Step 702), the programmable device 22 is rearranged. This causes all data erased from the programmable device 22 and the programmable device 22 to transition to the deployed state 208 using the placement process 224.
[0090]
There are several degrees of resupply that the controller 24 indicates. For example, when load rebalancing occurs (eg, load balancing between two separate website locations) or when peak load balancing occurs (eg, publication of news articles increases traffic to the website) Then move the web device to the news site domain to handle the increased traffic) and resupply. The controller determines whether resupply is to occur (step 704). If the supply should be changed and the controller 24 is instructed to change the task (step 706), the controller 24 checks whether additional tasks have been added (step 708).
[0091]
When a task should be changed and an existing task is deleted, the task image installed on the programmable device 22 is deleted. A new task image is installed, the new supply settings for the programmable device 22 are stored in the store 54 (step 710), and the controller transitions to the state 208 where the programmable device has been placed. If a task is changed and a new task is added, a new task image is installed, new supply settings for the programmable device 22 are stored in the store 54 (step 712), and the controller places the programmable device in a deployed state 208. Transition to.
[0092]
If the task has not changed, the controller 24 determines whether the role has changed (step 714). If the role of the programmable device has not changed, a supply update is performed. Programmable device 22 transitions to ready state 210 (process 232), the settings are changed using supply process 228 (step 716), and programmable device 22 transitions back to supply state 212. If the role of the programmable device 714 has changed, a re-preparation process 234 is performed on the programmable device 22 where the programmable device 22 is re-supplied and the new supply settings are stored (step 718) and the controller To the prepared state 210.
[0093]
If the supply has not changed, the controller 24 determines whether the programmable device 22 has been upgraded or hotfixed (step 720). If the programmable device 22 has been upgraded or is a hot fix, the controller 24 determines whether the BIOS should be upgraded if the BIOS is installed on the programmable device (step 722). If the BIOS is not to be upgraded or is not one of the programmable devices 22, the upgrade image is installed on the programmable device 22, the supply settings are restored, and the programmable device 22 transitions to the deployed state 208 ( Step 724). If the BIOS is to be upgraded, all partitions of the programmable device 22 are removed (step 726) and the programmable device 22 transitions to an undeployed state 206.
[0094]
If the programmable device 22 is not upgraded and is not a hot fix, the controller 24 determines whether the programmable device 22 is rolled back to a previous state if a trouble occurs after the fix or upgrade is installed on the programmable device 22 Is determined (step 728). If the programmable device is rolled back, the image that was on the programmable device 22 before the upgrade / hotfix is copied from the image repository 52 onto the programmable device 22 and the supply settings from the image before the upgrade / hotfix are restored ( Step 730), the programmable device transitions to the deployed state 208. If no rollback has been performed, the programmable device 22 is returned to the delivered state 208.
[0095]
If the programmable device 22 is removed from service, the programmable device 22 moves to the retired state 216. The programmable device 22 is recycled or discarded.
[0096]
As described above, typical states of computer services (see FIG. 4) include untested state 202, tested state 204, planned state 250, provisioned state 212, and online state 214. , Trouble state 216 and retire state 218 are included. Many trigger events for computer services are similar to those for programmable devices. When a new service is developed and tested, a trigger event for the transition between the untested state 202 and the tested state 204 occurs. The test and development process 220 for a service includes building any programmable devices and other hardware / software needed for the service, and performing programmable device and hardware / software tests.
[0097]
Planned from the transition from the tested state 204 to the planned state 250 or from the online state 214 if additional capacity is expected in the programmable device or to add additional programmable devices to the service A transition to state 250 is triggered. The tasks to be performed in the planning process 222 include determining whether a new service is added to an existing service, determining the number of users, and programmable devices required to support the service Determining the number of. Once the task is executed, the service is moved to the planned state 250.
[0098]
The controller 24 can initiate a transition from the planned state 250 to the provisioned state 212 immediately after or slightly after the transition to the planned state 208. Task 252 performed in the provisioning device process orders the programmable devices and other hardware / software needed to perform the service, transitioning each of the programmable devices to a state 212 where each programmable device has been provisioned The life cycle is included until this occurs (see FIGS. 3 and 5 to 9).
[0099]
Once the programmable device is supplied, the controller 24 initiates a transition to the serviceable state 214 of the programmable device and moves the service to the online state 214.
[0100]
While in the online state 214, the controller 24 transitions the service 22 to the trouble state 216 if an unexpected breakdown of the service occurs. These disruptions include slow response times (eg, bottlenecks) due to viruses, hardware or software, and severe and intermittent failures due to hardware or software. In trouble state 216, controller 24 determines the cause of the unexpected disruption, attempts to eliminate the cause, and transitions service 22 back online. When the service 22 comes back online, it enters the online state 214 again.
[0101]
If the service 22 is no longer needed, the service 22 is transitioned to the retired state 216. Programmable devices used for service are retired, repositioned, re-prepared, or re-supplied according to the procedure described above.
[0102]
It will be appreciated that each programmable device has its own life cycle and each service has its own life cycle. For example, if the service is a website, the website has a life cycle that the user experiences while the server implementing the website has a life cycle. There is a dependency between the service life cycle and the programmable device life cycle. For example, a service with a customer account may use load balancing between multiple programmable devices or a single programmable device. If a particular programmable device in a service using multiple programmable devices experiences a trouble, the particular programmable device transitions to trouble state 216 while the service continues in online state 214.
[0103]
Conversely, if the service uses only one programmable device and a trouble occurs in that programmable device, both the programmable device and the service transition to trouble state 216. Once the programmable device returns to the in-service state 214, the service can be returned to the online state 214.
[0104]
【The invention's effect】
Thus, according to the present invention, a method and system for automating the placement, supply and management of functions with respect to the life cycle of functions (eg, programmable devices or computer services) is presented, and when a trigger event occurs, the system is programmable Dynamically move a device or computer service from one state of its lifecycle to another. As a result, extensible infrastructure and mechanisms provide the workload and technical level required to provide direct technical assistance (eg, deploying and delivering hardware and software) to hosting and other applications. It can be greatly reduced.
[0105]
The system also increases the efficiency of the programmable device, thereby reducing the number of programmable devices required for a particular function. This reduces the indirect technical support staff who develop and support the manufacturer's own supply software by the present invention, so that the client can concentrate on the original work. xSP responsiveness is enhanced by being able to respond quickly (in minutes if not seconds) to new or existing customer requests for additional web services.
[0106]
The system and method provide a common industry-wide platform for OEMs or other developers to create their own value-added products, and hardware and resource issues to address computational load and demand issues. Allows the most effective usage.
[0107]
As described above, according to the present invention, the system develops modules that help developers automate the placement, supply, and management of programmable devices, and instructs the system to enter a lifecycle state for the user. Since the controller has moved the programmable device to the life cycle state in response to the occurrence of the trigger event, the amount of work and the technical level required to support the programmable device Can be greatly reduced and an inexpensive management method and apparatus can be provided.
[0108]
In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the present invention may be applied, the embodiments described herein with respect to the drawings are intended to be illustrative and are intended to limit the scope of the invention. Should not be done. For example, those skilled in the art can implement the elements of the exemplary embodiments shown in software form in hardware and vice versa, or exemplary embodiments do not depart from the spirit of the invention. It will be understood that configuration and details can be changed. Accordingly, the invention described herein contemplates all such embodiments and their equivalents that can be realized within the scope of the appended claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram generally illustrating an exemplary system in which the present invention operates.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram generally illustrating an exemplary programmable device in which the present invention operates.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a life cycle state of a programmable device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a life cycle state of a computer service according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method for developing and testing an image according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method for planning additional capacity according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method for deploying a programmable device according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for preparing a programmable device according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a method for providing a programmable device according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method for repurposed a programmable device according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
22 functions
24 controller
38 Web equipment interface
40 NAS device interface
52 Image Repository
54 Store

Claims (18)

A method for controlling a life cycle state including placement, supply, and management of at least one programmable device using a controller comprising:
The controller Accordingly, in a case of controlling a certain life cycle state set in the programmable device,
Receiving a control script for controlling the transition of the programmable device from the module by communicating via the automation interface and a plurality of interfaces having at least one port for communication,
Here, the module includes a management application including a policy rule, the control script for performing control for causing the programmable device to transition between the states of the life cycle by the controller, and a plurality of the communication with the automation interface and the controller. Including a device interface that provides an interface of
Using a control script said received, the programmable device comprises the steps of initiating the transition from one life cycle state of said set to a different life cycle states,
Step to initiate the transition to the programmable device,
Setting a plurality of predetermined states of the life cycle by the controller based on the control script, including an initial state of the life cycle and a final state of the life cycle;
Here, the plurality of predetermined states of the life cycle are at least an untested state, a tested state, an undeployed state, an already deployed state, a prepared state, a supplied state, and a service state Including the status of trouble,
Obtaining a plurality of sets of automated procedures for transitioning at least one programmable device from one state of the life cycle to another state of the life cycle from the module by communication via the plurality of interfaces ;
Here, the transition from one state of the life cycle to another state of the life cycle is a transition between states combining any state included in a plurality of predetermined states of the life cycle,
In response to a trigger event, said the states of the lifecycle a step of initiating the transition to another state of the life cycle, characterized in that it comprises the steps of the transition is in accordance with a set of automated procedures And how to. In the case where the certain state of the life cycle is the untested state and the another state of the life cycle is the tested state,
Initiating the transition from the one state of the life cycle to the other state of the life cycle is triggered when at least one programmable device is developed and tested,
Transitioning the programmable device from the untested state to the tested state according to a test procedure included in one of the plurality of sets of automated procedures;
Here, the test procedure is:
Creating one of a new image and an upgraded image on a reference system;
Transferring the one of the new image and the upgraded image to an image repository;
Verifying whether the one of the new image and the upgraded image in the image repository meets predetermined requirements;
Installing the new image and the one of the upgraded images on a programmable device according to the programmable device;
Next, in the case where the certain state of the life cycle is the tested state and the other state of the life cycle is the unarranged state,
Initiating a transition from the one state of the life cycle to the other state of the life cycle includes adding additional capacity to the programmable device and adding at least one additional programmable device to the programmable device; For one, it is triggered when the needs are anticipated,
Transitioning the programmable device from the tested state to the undeployed state according to a planning procedure included in one of the plurality of sets of automated procedures;
Here, the planning procedure is as follows:
Performing a demand plan to quantify additional needs;
Performing a resource plan to meet the additional needs; and
Performing the resource plan comprises:
Planning physical resources;
Planning computing resources;
Planning the environmental requirements;
Planning network and storage resources,
Next, in the case where the certain state of the life cycle is the unarranged state and the other state of the life cycle is the already disposed state,
Initiating a transition from the one state of the life cycle to the other state of the life cycle is triggered when the programmable device is ready for placement,
Transitioning the programmable device from the unplaced state to the placed state according to a placement procedure included in one of the plurality of sets of automated procedures;
Here, the arrangement procedure is as follows.
Installing an initial boot image on the programmable device received at the install location;
Setting communication settings in the programmable device;
Setting an initial identification parameter in the programmable device,
Next, in the case where the certain state of the life cycle is the arranged state and the another state of the life cycle is the prepared state,
Initiating a transition from one state of the life cycle to the other state of the life cycle is triggered after a task for the programmable device is defined,
Transitioning the programmable device from the deployed state to the prepared state according to a preparing procedure included in one of the plurality of sets of automated procedures;
Wherein the preparing step includes transferring a task image to the programmable device;
Next, in the case where the certain state of the life cycle is the prepared state and the another state of the life cycle is the supplied state,
Initiating a transition from the one state of the life cycle to the other state of the life cycle is triggered after a role for a programmable device is determined,
Transitioning the programmable device from the prepared state to the supplied state according to a supplying procedure included in one of the plurality of sets of automated procedures;
Here, the supplying procedure is as follows:
Implementing provision of an identification on the programmable device;
Providing a service on the programmable device;
Implementing the provision of storage;
Carrying out an additional supply,
Next, in the case where the certain state of the life cycle is the supplied state and the other state of the life cycle is the in-service state,
The step of initiating a transition from the supplied state to the in-service state is triggered after the programmable device is supplied,
Transitioning the programmable device from the supplied state to the in-service state;
Next, in the case where the certain state of the life cycle is in the service and the other state of the life cycle is the trouble state,
Initiating a transition from the one state of the life cycle to the other state of the life cycle is triggered after a disruption of a service provided by the programmable device occurs,
Transition the programmable device from the in-service state to the trouble state,
Said disruption of service comprises one of a virus, a slow response time and a component failure
Next, in the case where the certain state of the life cycle is the supplied state, and the other state of the life cycle is the non-arranged state,
The step of initiating a transition from the one state of the life cycle to the other state of the life cycle is triggered after receiving a request to relocate a programmable device via communication via the plurality of interfaces. By
Transition the programmable device from the supplied state to the unplaced state,
Here, deleting all software installed in the programmable device;
The method of claim 1, further comprising either re-installing an initial boot image on the programmable device by communication via the plurality of interfaces or leaving an initial boot image. In the said one state of the lifecycle comprises one of the tested conditions and online state, the further state of the lifecycle planned state including the case,
The step of initiating a transition from the one state of the life cycle to the other state of the life cycle is triggered after a need for adding additional capacity to the programmable device is anticipated ,
Transitioning to the planned state according to a planning procedure included in one of the plurality of sets of automated procedures;
Here, the planning procedure is as follows:
Implementing a demand plan to quantify said additional needs;
Implementing a resource plan to meet the additional needs;
The step of implementing the resource plan comprises:
Planning physical resources;
Planning computing resources;
Planning the environmental requirements;
Claim 2 Symbol placement methods, characterized in that further comprising the step of planning the network and storage resources. 4. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising the step of managing power consumption of the at least one programmable device. A method comprising at least one programmable device having a load that requires an amount of power, wherein the at least one programmable device comprises managing power consumption of the at least one programmable device,
Supplying power to at least one programmable device to supply the power to the load;
4. Symbol mounting method characterized by comprising the step of reducing the amount of power in the power alarm condition. The step of reducing the amount of power during a power alarm condition comprises:
Wherein at least one of claims 5 Symbol mounting method is characterized in that the amount of power to each of the programmable device comprises the step of reducing only the amount of power equal amounts. The step of reducing the amount of power during a power alarm condition comprises:
At least by a respective one of the programmable device, The method of claim 5 Symbol mounting characterized by comprising the step of reducing only the amount of power percentage in proportion to the paid premiums. When said at least one programmable device is not in use, method of claim 5 Symbol mounting the electric energy is characterized in that it is reduced to a low amount of power. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing the method of any of claims 1 to 8 executed by a computer. A system for controlling a life cycle state including placement, supply, and management of at least one programmable device using a controller comprising:
A module for supporting automation of the control of the at least one programmable device;
Here, the module includes a management application including policy rules, a control script for controlling the programmable device to transition between the life cycle states by the controller, an automation interface, and a plurality of interfaces communicating with the controller. Including an equipment interface that provides
An automation interface including at least one port for communicating with the module;
The controller for controlling a life cycle state set in the programmable device using the control script ;
In the case where the controller controls a certain life cycle state set in the programmable device ,
Receiving a control script for controlling the transition of the programmable device from the module by communicating via the plurality of interfaces between automation interface having at least one port for communication,
Using the control script thus received, the configured to the programmable device performs and to initiate the transition from one life cycle state of said set to a different life cycle states,
To initiate the transition to the programmable device,
Setting a plurality of predetermined states of the life cycle by the controller based on the control script, including an initial state of the life cycle and a final state of the life cycle;
Here, the plurality of predetermined states of the life cycle are at least an untested state, a tested state, an undeployed state, an already deployed state, a prepared state, a supplied state, and a service state Including the status of trouble,
Obtaining a plurality of sets of automated procedures for transitioning at least one programmable device from one state of the life cycle to another state of the life cycle from the module by communication via the plurality of interfaces ;
Here, the transition from one state of the life cycle to another state of the life cycle is a transition between states combining any state included in a plurality of predetermined states of the life cycle,
In response to a trigger event, the be from states of the life cycle to begin a transition to another state of the life cycle, characterized in that it comprises a said transition is in accordance with a set of automated procedures System. In the case where the certain state of the life cycle is the untested state and the another state of the life cycle is the tested state,
Initiating a transition from the one state of the life cycle to the other state of the life cycle is triggered when at least one programmable device is developed and tested,
Transitioning the programmable device from the untested state to the tested state according to a test procedure included in one of the plurality of sets of automated procedures;
Here, the test procedure is:
Creating one of the new and upgraded images on the reference system;
Transferring the new image and the one of the upgraded images to an image repository;
Verifying whether the one of the new image and the upgraded image in the image repository meets predetermined requirements;
Installing the new image and the one of the upgraded images on a programmable device according to the programmable device;
Next, in the case where the certain state of the life cycle is the tested state and the other state of the life cycle is the unarranged state,
Initiating a transition from the one state of the life cycle to the other state of the life cycle adds additional capacity to the programmable device and adds at least one additional programmable device to the programmable device. For one, it is triggered when the needs are anticipated,
Transitioning the programmable device from the tested state to the undeployed state according to a planning procedure included in one of the plurality of sets of automated procedures;
Here, the planning procedure is as follows:
Running demand plans to quantify additional needs;
Performing a resource plan to meet the additional needs;
Executing the resource plan includes
Planning physical resources,
Planning computational resources;
Planning environmental requirements;
Planning network and storage resources,
Next, in the case where the certain state of the life cycle is the unarranged state and the other state of the life cycle is the already disposed state,
Initiating a transition from one state of the life cycle to the other state of the life cycle is triggered when the programmable device is ready for placement,
Transitioning the programmable device from the unplaced state to the placed state according to a placement procedure included in one of the plurality of sets of automated procedures;
Here, the arrangement procedure is as follows.
Installing an initial boot image on a programmable device received at the install location;
Setting communication settings on the programmable device;
Setting an initial identification parameter in the programmable device,
Next, in the case where the certain state of the life cycle is the arranged state and the another state of the life cycle is the prepared state,
Initiating a transition from the one state of the life cycle to the other state of the life cycle is triggered after a task for the programmable device is defined,
Transitioning the programmable device from the deployed state to the prepared state according to a preparing procedure included in one of the plurality of sets of automated procedures;
Wherein the preparing step includes transferring a task image to the programmable device;
Next, in the case where the certain state of the life cycle is the prepared state and the another state of the life cycle is the supplied state,
Initiating a transition from one state of the life cycle to the other state of the life cycle is triggered after a role for the programmable device is determined,
Transitioning the programmable device from the prepared state to the supplied state according to a supplying procedure included in one of the plurality of sets of automated procedures;
Here, the supplying procedure is as follows:
Implementing provision of identification on the programmable device;
Providing a service on the programmable device;
To supply storage,
Carrying out additional supply,
Next, in the case where the certain state of the life cycle is the supplied state and the other state of the life cycle is the in-service state,
Initiating a transition from the supplied state to the in-service state is triggered after the programmable device is supplied,
Transitioning the programmable device from the supplied state to the in-service state;
Next, in the case where the certain state of the life cycle is in the service and the other state of the life cycle is the trouble state,
Initiating a transition from the one state of the life cycle to the other state of the life cycle is triggered after a disruption of a service provided by the programmable device occurs,
Transition the programmable device from the in-service state to the trouble state,
Said disruption of service comprises one of a virus, a slow response time and a component failure
Next, in the case where the certain state of the life cycle is the supplied state, and the other state of the life cycle is the non-arranged state,
Initiating a transition from one state of the life cycle to the other state of the life cycle is triggered after a request to relocate a programmable device is received by communication over the plurality of interfaces. By
Transition the programmable device from the supplied state to the unplaced state,
Here, deleting all software installed on the programmable device;
11. The system of claim 10, further comprising either re-installing an initial boot image on the programmable device by communication via the plurality of interfaces or leaving an initial boot image. Claim 10 or 11 SL mounting system is characterized in that further comprising an image repository in communication with the controller. Wherein the plurality of interfaces, claims 10 to 12 serial mounting system to any of characterized in that it comprises at least one abstraction interface for communicating with a predetermined hardware. Wherein said at least one abstraction interface 13. Symbol mounting system characterized in that it comprises a network abstraction for communicating with a predetermined network. Wherein said at least one abstraction interface 13. Symbol mounting system characterized in that it comprises a storage area network abstraction for communicating with a predetermined storage area network. The plurality of interfaces are:
A deployment interface for communicating with specific hardware;
The image repository and serial mounting system in any one of claims 10 to 15 to the imaging interface for communicating, characterized in that further comprising a. The plurality of interfaces are:
Further claims 10 to 16 serial mounting system in any one of characterized in that comprises a web appliance interface for communicating with the Web appliance. System placing serial to any of claims 10 to 17, characterized in that further comprising a store in communication with the controller.

Images